Police remind drivers, motorcyclists to use caution after fatal crash Wednesday

Jenna Wilson, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·2 min read

Apr. 18—After a motorcycle crash left one dead Wednesday night, law enforcement and safety officials are reminding drivers and motorcyclists to slow down and stay alert on the roads.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, around 9:45 p.m. 26-year-old Anthony J. Baca was traveling north on his motorcycle on the Belt Highway and Karnes Road when he collided with the front driver's side of an SUV that was pulling out of Taco Bell.

The driver of the SUV had no injuries, but Baca was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sgt. James Tonn with the police department.

Witnesses told law enforcement that the motorcyclist was driving at an excessive speed prior to the crash. However, Tonn said the motorcyclist had the right of way.

"We have multiple witnesses saying the motorcycle was driving close to three-digit speed," Tonn said. "According to reports, the driver of the SUV pulled out of Taco Bell and was hit by that motorcyclist right in the front driver's side of the SUV so we're trying to see if we can verify that through video."

The crash is still under investigation by the police department, but they are taking this time to remind motorcyclists, and drivers alike, to practice safety and slow down on the roads.

"Nationwide, speed is the No. 1 reason why people are hurt and killed in crashes, and the investigation is not done, but it's looking like that's going to be the cause — speed-related," Tonn said. "Technically, yes, the SUV has to yield to oncoming traffic. That's whether you pull out on the Belt or out into the street, but you can't yield to what you can't see."

Former St. Joseph police officer and executive of the St. Joseph Safety Council, Frank Till, said Wednesday night's tragedy is an unfortunate situation for all the families involved and motorcyclists must be aware that the chances of accidents can heighten even more at night.

"When we're on a motorcycle, it's so tempting to drive fast while the wind is blowing in our hair and it's fun," he said. "But we absolutely need to be careful and understand that we're not as visible as cars are, especially during those later hours. If we're traveling at a faster rate of speed, we don't realize how much distance we're closing in a short period of time."

Officials are reminding bikers to always use their blinkers, use the appropriate hand signals and eye contact with other drivers and always wear a helmet.

Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.